Zip line attraction and methods

ABSTRACT

A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/134,547, filed Dec. 19, 2013, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/746,661, filedDec. 28, 2012, the entire teachings and disclosure of which areincorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to recreational attractions, and morespecifically to zip line attractions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Zip line attractions continue to grow in popularity. Contemporary zipline attractions typically involve one or more cables which extendbetween towers. Each tower has at least one platform. The cable thatextends from one tower to the other is connected at its ends,respectively, to each tower above and in proximity to the platform ofthat tower. User's connect to the cable while standing on the platform,depart from the platform, travel along the cable in a harness, andarrive at the platform of another tower. Such attractions may involvetwo towers, or more than two towers in what is referred to in the art asa tour.

In the two tower configuration, a user is connected to the cableextending between the towers via their harness. The user then departsfrom one tower and rides along the cable to the other tower. Afterarriving at the other tower, the user is disconnected from the cable,and the ride is over. Such attractions, while enjoyable and successfulin the industry, can lead to long queues as waiting users must wait foreach person to attach, ride, and detach from the cable. This can lead touser dissatisfaction, when considering the waiting time versus theactual ride time.

To avoid such user dissatisfaction, the so called tours that employmultiple towers allow users to successively ride from tower to tower,thereby lengthening their overall ride time. More specifically, a userbegins at one tower, rides to the next tower, then disconnects fromtheir current cable and connects to another cable to ride to anothertower, and so on until the course is complete. Such tours are typicallyoutdoors, and the towers are typically arranged in a non-linear fashionto give users a sense of variety.

As can be readily appreciated, a tour configuration with its multipletower arrangement requires a considerable amount of acreage.Unfortunately, many recreational establishments cannot accommodate atour configuration given their relatively limited outdoor space. As aresult, these establishments have been heretofore unable to employ a zipline tour, and must either 1) resort to a two tower configurationdespite its drawbacks as discussed above, or 2) forego their aspirationsof employing a zip line attraction entirely. In view of theseconstraints, there is a need in the art for a zip line attraction thatprovides extended ride time to thereby increase user satisfaction, butnot require the relatively large amount of real estate required in atour configuration.

The invention provides such a zip line attraction. These and otheradvantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features,will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a zip line attraction thatprovides relatively longer ride times with a minimal space requirement.A zip line attraction according to this aspect includes a first towerextending from a base surface, a first cable, and a stopping point. Thefirst cable is connected at one end to the first tower and at anotherend to the stopping point. At least one end of the cable is movable inelevation relative to the base surface such that a user situated on thecable can depart from the first tower, travel along the first cable, andarrive at the stopping point and subsequently depart from the stoppingpoint, travel along the first cable, and arrive at the first towerwithout disconnecting from the cable between traveling from the firsttower to the stopping point and subsequently traveling from the stoppingpoint back to the first tower.

The first tower can include at least one platform and a cable connectionpoint for connection of the at least one end of the at least one cable.An adjustment arrangement is operably coupled to the cable connectionpoint to move the cable connection point relative to the base surfacesuch that the at least end of the at least one cable is movable inelevation relative to the base surface.

In certain embodiments, the cable connection point is mounted to the atleast one platform. The cable connection point can include a cross beamhaving a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a top surfaceof the at least one platform.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment arrangement includes a cable andpulley system, wherein the cable and pulley system includes a firstpulley assembly mounted proximate the at least one tower, a secondpulley assembly mounted on the at least one tower, and a cable routedfrom the first pulley assembly through the second pulley assembly andconnected to the platform. The first pulley assembly is rotatable in afirst direction to pay out the cable to lower the elevation of the cableconnection point. The first pulley assembly is rotatable in a seconddirection opposite the first direction to increase the elevation of thecable connection point.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment arrangement includes a hydrauliccylinder operatively attached to the at least one platform to raise andlower the at least one platform.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment arrangement includes a pluralityof rollers mounted on the at least one platform and connected to avertical member of the first tower, wherein one or more of the pluralityof rollers is connected to a drive arrangement for rotating the one ormore plurality of rollers to cause the at least one platform to moverelative to the vertical member.

In certain embodiments, the adjustment arrangement comprises anadjustment carriage, the adjustment carriage providing the cableconnection point, and wherein the at least one platform includesmultiple platforms, the adjustment carriage operably mounted to thefirst tower to selectively position the cable connection point adjacenteach one of the multiple platforms.

In another aspect, the invention provides a tower for a zip lineattraction with a movable cable connection point. A tower according tothis aspect includes a support structure extending from a base surfacewith at least one platform connected to the support structure. The toweralso includes a movable cable connection point positioned adjacent thesupport structure and movable in elevation relative to the base surface.A drive arrangement is operably connected to the movable connectionpoint to selectively change the elevation thereof.

In certain embodiments according to this aspect, the cable connectionpoint is mounted to the at least one platform. The cable connectionpoint can include a cross beam having a longitudinal axis that isgenerally parallel to a top surface of the at least one platform.

In certain embodiments according to this aspect, the adjustmentarrangement can include a cable and pulley system, wherein the cable andpulley system comprises a first pulley assembly mounted proximate the atleast one tower, a second pulley assembly mounted on the at least onetower, and a cable routed from the first pulley assembly through thesecond pulley assembly and connected to the platform. The first pulleyassembly is rotatable in a first direction to pay out the cable to lowerthe elevation of the cable connection point. The first pulley assemblyis rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction toincrease the elevation of the cable connection point.

In certain embodiments according to this aspect, the adjustmentarrangement includes a hydraulic cylinder operatively attached to the atleast one platform to raise and lower the at least one platform.

In certain embodiments according to this aspect, the adjustmentarrangement includes a plurality of rollers mounted on the at least oneplatform and connected to the support structure, wherein one or more ofthe plurality of rollers is connected to a drive arrangement forrotating the one or more plurality of rollers to cause the at least oneplatform to move relative to the vertical member.

In certain embodiments according to this aspect, the adjustmentarrangement comprises an adjustment carriage, the adjustment carriageproviding the cable connection point, and wherein the at least oneplatform includes multiple platforms, the adjustment carriage operablymounted to the first tower to selectively position the cable connectionpoint adjacent each one of the multiple platforms. The adjustmentcarriage can include a plurality of rollers connected to the supportstructure.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for operating azip line attraction. A method according to this aspect includesconnecting a user to a cable that is connected at a first end to a towerand at a second end to a stopping point. The method also includessending the user from the tower to the stopping point along the cable.The method also includes changing the elevation of the first end of thecable and returning the user to the tower from the stopping point alongthe cable.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a zip lineattraction according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a tower of the zip line attraction of FIG. 1,employing one embodiment of a drive arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tower of FIG. 1, depicting anotherembodiment of a drive arrangement of the tower;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the tower of FIG. 1, depicting anotherembodiment of a drive arrangement of the tower;

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of a tower for use with thezip line attraction, according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tower of FIG. 5, depicting one embodiment ofa drive arrangement of the tower;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an over-water stopping point of the tower; and

FIG. 8 is schematic top view of a course arranged in accordance with theteachings of the present invention.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate various embodiments ofa zip line attraction which, among several advantages, provides a zipline attraction that offers extended ride time to thereby increase usersatisfaction, but does not require the relatively large amount of realestate required in a tour configuration. As will be explained in greaterdetail below a zip line attraction according to the teachings of theinvention herein offers multiple trips between a tower and a generalstopping point, which could be another identical or non-identical tower,and/or could be over land or water.

With specific reference now to FIG. 1 one embodiment of a zip line tower20 (referred to herein as a “tower”) according to the teachings of thepresent invention is illustrated. Tower 20 includes a vertical member 22and a platform 24 that incorporates a cable connection point 26. A cable28 extends from cable connection point 26 to a stopping point 30.Stopping point 30 may be another identical or non-identical tower,and/or could be over land or water.

Cable connection point 26 may also comprise a generally horizontal crossbeam which allows for multiple cables to extend therefrom in parallel tostopping point 30. As a result, multiple users may depart from platform24 simultaneously. For purposes of brevity, the configuration andoperation of embodiments described herein will be discussed in terms ofa single cable; however, this should be taken to include multiple cablesas well.

A platform adjustment arrangement 32 is operatively connected toplatform 24. Platform adjustment arrangement 32 advantageously allowsfor the vertical adjustment of platform 24 along axis 34 to adjust theelevation of platform 24 relative to ground. Because cable 28 is fixedat one end to cable connection point 26, the end of cable 28 also has avariable elevation as a result of platform adjustment arrangement 30.

As described above, users connect to cable 28 proximate cable connectionpoint 26 while standing on platform 24. In one mode of operation oftower 20, a user accesses platform 24 via stairs, ladders, etc. (notshown). Once on platform 24, a user then connects to cable 28, andtravels along direction 40 until they reach stopping point 30. Althoughnot shown, suitable braking means may be employed to slow the user downas they approach stopping point 30, and bring them to a complete stoponce at stopping point 30.

Thereafter, platform adjustment arrangement 32 moves platform 24downward along axis 34 to the alternate position shown in dashed linesin FIG. 1. As a result, the orientation of cable 28 also changes,causing the user, under gravity, to depart stopping point 30, travelalong direction 42, and return to platform 22. Although not shown,suitable braking means may be employed to slow the user down as theyapproach platform 24, and bring them to a complete stop once at platform24.

Thereafter, platform adjustment arrangement 32 may move platform 24along axis 34 and back to its original position. A user can then repeatthe aforementioned cycle. It will be recognized that the aforementionedoperation allows for multiple trips between tower 20 and stopping point30. This lengthens a user's overall ride time, and thereby will increaseuser satisfaction. Advantageously, however, this increase in user ridetime does not come at the expense of a considerable amount of acreage,unlike prior tour designs. As such, businesses with a small amount ofreal estate can employ the configuration described herein and providetheir patrons with a tour experience.

FIGS. 2-4 show various embodiments of platform adjustment arrangement32. With specific reference to FIG. 2, platform adjustment arrangement32 may be embodied as a cable and pulley system. Such a system mayincorporate a first pulley assembly 50, a second pulley assembly 52, anda cable 54 wound therebetween. One end of cable 54 is connected to firstpulley 50, and a second end of cable 54 is connected to a connectionpoint 56.

First pulley assembly 50 may be operatively connected to a motor forrotating first pulley assembly 50 in either of rotational directions 58,60. Rotation of first pulley assembly 50 in rotational direction 58 willcause platform 24 to move downward along axis 34 to decrease theelevation thereof. Conversely, rotation of first pulley assembly 50 inrotational direction 60 will cause platform 24 to move upward along axis34 to increase the elevation.

Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of platform adjustmentarrangement 32 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder62 is operatively attached to platform 24 and is operative to change theelevation of platform 24 along axis 34.

With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a platform adjustmentarrangement 32 is illustrated. Unlike the previous embodiments thatincorporate an external platform adjustment arrangement 32, thisembodiment incorporates an integrated platform adjustment arrangement 32built directly into platform 24. Specifically, a plurality of rollers 66may be employed to grip vertical member 22. Rollers 66 are operativelycoupled to a drive arrangement 68 which rotates one or more of rollers66 to cause platform 24 to “crawl” along vertical member 22. As can beseen from visual inspection of FIG. 4, vertical member 22 may take onvarious geometries to accommodate such functionality. In FIG. 4,vertical member 22 has a generally I-shaped cross section for example.Additionally, and instead of employing a pure roller arrangement asillustrated, a rack and pinion arrangement could also be employed,wherein one or more of rollers 66 is substituted with a pinion, andwherein a rack is provided on one face of vertical member 22 in meshedcontact with the pinion.

Also illustrated in the top view of FIG. 4, is the multiple cable 28embodiment of a cable connection point 26 as introduced above. Asillustrated, multiple cables 28 extend from cable connection point 26.As such, users may depart together, one on each cable 28, from platform24.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a tower 120 is illustrated.Unlike tower 20 of FIGS. 1-4 which incorporates a movable platform 24,tower 120 utilizes fixed platforms 124 each attached to a verticalmember 122. A cable connection carriage 132 is also mounted to verticalmember 122. Cable connection carriage serves the purposes of bothplatform adjustment arrangement 32 and cable connection point 26described above in that it provides a connection point for one end of acable 128, and also a means for adjusting the elevation of an end pointof cable 128 along axis 134. Similar to that described above, the otherend of cable 128 is connected to a stopping point 130, which may beanother identical or non-identical tower, and/or be over land or water.

In operation, a user accesses the uppermost platform 124 in FIG. 5, andconnects to cable 128. The user then departs uppermost platform 124 andtravels along cable 128 in direction 140 to stopping point 130. Just asin the prior embodiment, suitable braking means may be employed forslowing the user down as they approach stopping point 130, and stoppingthe user once at stopping point 130. Once at stopping point 130, cableconnection carriage 132 then moves downwardly along vertical member 122to position an end of cable 128 proximate the lowermost platform 124.Thereafter a user then departs stopping point 130 under gravity aloneand travels along cable 128 in direction 142 until they reach lowermostplatform 124. Suitable braking means may be employed for slowing theuser down as they approach lowermost platform 124, and stopping the useronce at lowermost platform 124.

Although only two platforms 124 are illustrated, it will be recognizedthat more than two platforms may be provided in other embodiments.Advantageously, cable connection carriage 132 can selectively positionitself proximate each platform incorporated.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a top view of one platform 124 is illustrated inproximity to one embodiment of cable connection carriage 132. Cableconnection carriage 132 includes a frame 126 which effectively functionsas a cable connection point for connection of cable 128. A plurality ofrollers 166 are mounted to frame 126. Rollers 166 are connected to adrive arrangement 168 which selectively rotates one or more of rollers166 to cause cable connection carriage 132 to “crawl” along verticalmember 122 to move cable connection carriage along axis 134 (See FIG.5). As was the case with the embodiment of FIG. 4, one or more ofrollers 166 may be replaced with a pinion, and one or more correspondingfaces of vertical member 122 may include a rack in meshed contact withthe pinion.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, visual inspection of platform 124 revealsthat it is not identical to platform 24 described above. Particularly,platform 124 includes an aperture 170 and a gap 172 formed therethroughto effectively separate platform 124 into two identical halves 124 a,124 b. Corresponding connection elements 174 are provided on each half124 a, 124 b for connecting the same to vertical member 122.

As illustrated, aperture 170 provides sufficient clearance for themovement of cable connection carriage 132 relative to platform 124.Likewise, gap 172 provides sufficient clearance for the movement ofcable 128 relative to platform 124.

Turning now to FIG. 7, as introduced above stopping point 30, 130 may beanother identical or non-identical tower, and/or may be positioned overland or water. FIG. 7 particularly illustrates a non-identical tower 220which is floating in a body of water. One or more towers 20, 120 asdescribed above may be positioned on land, e.g. a shoreline, andterminate at tower 220.

Tower 220 includes a plurality of floatation supports 222 that support aplatform 224. A cable connection point 226 is mounted to platform 224. Acable 228 terminates at cable connection point 226.

Users arrive at tower 220 by traveling along cable 228 in direction 240,and depart tower 220 by traveling along cable 228 in direction 242. Assuch, tower 220 provides the functionality described above as stoppingpoint 30, 130. However, given that tower 220 is positioned over water,it can incorporate anchoring elements 244, 246 for maintaining thegeneral position of tower 220 and for maintaining the general verticalpresentation of cable connection point 226.

Specifically, anchoring element 244 is connected to a central hub offloatation supports 222, and includes a mass at an end thereof foranchoring tower 220 in a general area in the water. Anchoring element246 is connected to cable connection point 226 and includes a mass foranchoring connection point 226 in its general vertical orientation. Moreanchoring elements 224, 226 could be utilized depending on expectedwater turbulence, etc.

In certain embodiments, multiple cable connection point 226 may beemployed with tower 220 to allow for multiple towers as described aboveto terminate at tower 220 (See. e.g. FIG. 8). It will be recognized thatthis functionality is also possible over land, and in the context ofstopping points 30, 130 described above. Further, in the context of theover-water configuration, a surprise release feature may be employedwith the harness equipment for connecting the user to cable 228, suchthat as the user is traveling towards tower 220, an operator can triggera release mechanism in the harness to drop the user into the body ofwater unexpectedly. This surprise release feature may operateelectronically and wirelessly. It will be recognized that such a featuremay also be incorporated over land, assuming the appropriate safetyfeatures are incorporated, e.g. netting, etc.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic layout of an embodiment of a courseaccording to the teachings of the present invention. As shown, multipletowers 320 have cables 328 extending therefrom and which terminate at acommon stopping point 330. Such a configuration advantageously allowsfor a tour configuration in a relatively small course space 310.Additional towers 320, may also be employed. FIG. 8 generally summarizesseveral of the advantages of the invention, in that users can enjoyextended ride times on a course space 310 that is much smaller thanconventional layouts.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A zip line attraction, comprising: a first towerextending from a base surface; a stopping point; at least one cableextending away from the first tower to the stopping point, and operableto carry a user thereon; and wherein the stopping point comprises aplatform configured for floating in a body of water.
 2. The zip lineattraction of claim 1, wherein the first tower includes at least oneplatform and a cable connection point for connection of the at least oneend of the at least one cable.
 3. The zip line attraction of claim 2,further comprising an adjustment arrangement operably coupled to thecable connection point to move the cable connection point relative tothe base surface such that the at least end of the at least one cable ismovable in elevation relative to the base surface.
 4. The zip lineattraction of claim 3, wherein the cable connection point is mounted tothe at least one platform.
 5. The zip line attraction of claim 4,wherein the cable connection point includes a cross beam having alongitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a top surface of the atleast one platform.
 6. The zip line attraction of claim 5, wherein theadjustment arrangement includes a cable and pulley system, wherein thecable and pulley system comprises a first pulley assembly mountedproximate the at least one tower, a second pulley assembly mounted onthe at least one tower, and a cable routed from the first pulleyassembly through the second pulley assembly and connected to theplatform.
 7. The zip line attraction of claim 6, wherein the firstpulley assembly is rotatable in a first direction to pay out the cableto lower the elevation of the cable connection point, and wherein thefirst pulley assembly is rotatable in a second direction opposite thefirst direction to increase the elevation of the cable connection point.8. The zip line attraction of claim 1, wherein the platform of thestopping point includes at least one float attached thereto.
 9. The zipline attraction of claim 8, wherein at least one anchoring element isconnected to the stopping point and is configured to anchor the stoppingpoint in the body of water.
 10. The zip line attraction of claim 9,wherein the at least one anchoring element includes a plurality ofanchoring elements.
 11. A tower for a zip line attraction for conveyinga user from a starting point to a stopping point, comprising: a supportstructure extending from a base surface; at least one platform connectedto the support structure and defining the starting point; a movablecable connection point positioned adjacent the support structure andmovable in elevation relative to the base surface; and an adjustmentarrangement operably connected to the movable cable connection point toselectively change the elevation thereof relative to a stopping point inspaced relationship to the support structure such that a user can travelfrom the starting point to the stopping point and from the stoppingpoint to the starting point.
 12. The tower of claim 11, wherein thecable connection point is mounted to the at least one platform.
 13. Thetower of claim 12, wherein the cable connection point includes a crossbeam having a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a topsurface of the at least one platform.
 14. The tower of claim 13, whereinthe adjustment arrangement includes a cable and pulley system, whereinthe cable and pulley system comprises a first pulley assembly mountedproximate the at least one tower, a second pulley assembly mounted onthe at least one tower, and a cable routed from the first pulleyassembly through the second pulley assembly and connected to theplatform.
 15. The tower of claim 16, wherein the first pulley assemblyis rotatable in a first direction to pay out the cable to lower theelevation of the cable connection point, and wherein the first pulleyassembly is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first directionto increase the elevation of the cable connection point.
 16. The towerof claim 13, wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a hydrauliccylinder operatively attached to the at least one platform to raise andlower the at least one platform.
 17. The tower of claim 13, wherein theadjustment arrangement includes a plurality of rollers mounted on the atleast one platform and connected to the support structure, wherein oneor more of the plurality of rollers is connected to a drive arrangementfor rotating the one or more plurality of rollers to cause the at leastone platform to move relative to the vertical member.
 18. The tower ofclaim 11, wherein the adjustment arrangement comprises an adjustmentcarriage, the adjustment carriage providing the cable connection point,and wherein the at least one platform includes multiple platforms, theadjustment carriage operably mounted to the first tower to selectivelyposition the cable connection point adjacent each one of the multipleplatforms.
 19. The tower of claim 18, wherein the adjustment carriageincludes a plurality of rollers connected to the support structure. 20.A method of operating a zip line attraction, comprising: connecting auser to a cable that is connected at a first end to a tower and at asecond end to a stopping point, the stopping point positioned in a bodyof water; sending the user from the tower to the stopping point alongthe cable; changing the elevation of the first end of the cable; andreturning the user to the tower from the stopping point along the cable.